The ongoing political tensions in Punjab have escalated with accusations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against local farmer unions. Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar has filed a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, alleging that farmer unions are running "kangaroo courts" and disrupting the party's election campaign efforts. Jakhar directly blamed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for these disruptions, accusing him of allowing these unions to operate unchecked and fostering vigilantism that is damaging the state's socio-political fabric.
The Punjab Police have arrested two farmer union leaders, Rajindra Singh Deep Singhwala and Harnek Singh Mehma, for allegedly interfering with the election campaigns of BJP candidates Hans Raj Hans (Faridkot) and Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi (Ferozepur). However, disruptions continue as farmer protests, characterized by waving black flags, shouting slogans, and physically confronting candidates, spread across Punjab and neighboring Haryana.
Prominent figures, including former Union Minister Preneet Kaur and BJP candidates Anita Som Prakash, Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Taranjit Singh Sandhu, have faced significant resistance from protesters. In Haryana, incidents include JJP leader Naina Chautala being injured during a confrontation and BJP candidate Banto Kataria being barred from entering a village.
BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans has reported threats and harassment directed at party workers, emphasizing the aggressive stance of the protesting farmers. Despite these tensions, leaders from other parties such as AAP and Shiromani Akali Dal have also been confronted by farmers, indicating widespread discontent among agricultural communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his surprise at the ongoing hostility from farmer groups, questioning the motives behind the protests given his administration's efforts to address Sikh community issues. Modi suggested that local media and analysts in Punjab should examine the underlying reasons for the animosity.
The anti-BJP protests are being spearheaded by splinter groups like the Sayunkt Kisan Morcha (SKM non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM). These groups have been actively protesting since February, with significant disruptions such as the blockage of the Shambhu railway station since April 17. This has led to economic losses and growing frustration among industrialists in Ludhiana.
In response to the escalating situation, the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab has instructed Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to ensure the security of BJP candidates. The backdrop of these protests includes lingering grievances over the repealed farm laws and demands for a legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime, highlighting deep-seated issues within the agricultural sector in the region.
